Santi Apostoli Venice
A charming Venetian square offering a taste of local life, centrally located yet away from the main tourist throngs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Santi Apostoli Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Venetian square offering a taste of local life, centrally located yet away from the main tourist throngs.
"A true hidden gem with free entrance, but the experience is priceless."
🎯 Embrace the 'Traghetto'
Ride a public gondola for just €2 to cross the Grand Canal like a local!
🤫 Seek Hidden Courtyards
Explore beyond the main paths for authentic Venetian charm and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Campo Santi Apostoli
Santi Apostoli Square
A charming, less crowded square offering a glimpse into local Venetian life away from the main tourist hubs.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Near Rialto Bridge
Discover a hidden spiral staircase with breathtaking panoramic views of Venice. A true architectural gem.

Traghetto Gondola Crossing
Various Grand Canal crossings
Experience a gondola ride for just a couple of euros, crossing the Grand Canal like a local.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Gondola on a Budget
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the 'Traghetto'
Ride a public gondola for just €2 to cross the Grand Canal like a local!
🤫 Seek Hidden Courtyards
Explore beyond the main paths for authentic Venetian charm and fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Venice is best explored on foot, so pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and bridges.
🚫 Avoid St. Mark's Square Dining
Restaurants here are tourist traps; find better food and prices elsewhere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the 'Traghetto'
Ride a public gondola for just €2 to cross the Grand Canal like a local!
🤫 Seek Hidden Courtyards
Explore beyond the main paths for authentic Venetian charm and fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Venice is best explored on foot, so pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and bridges.
🚫 Avoid St. Mark's Square Dining
Restaurants here are tourist traps; find better food and prices elsewhere.
🗺️ Get a Local Map
Navigating Venice's maze-like streets is easier with a good map or offline navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Santi Apostoli is praised for its central yet relatively peaceful location, offering a more authentic Venetian experience. Visitors appreciate its proximity to major attractions while providing a respite from the busiest tourist crowds. The area is seen as a good base for exploring the city's charm and accessing local life.
"Most beautiful Church in Cannaregio!
We really enjoyed coming here and seeing the beauty of this and of this little piazza. We somehow past in front of this place everyday as we needed to get to Venice Central from our rental in Cannaregio.
We really enjoyed it! It was beautiful."
Paul Vivas
"The church is believed to have existed as early as the 9th century, originally founded at the instruction of Saint Magnus, Bishop of Oderzo, who is said to have had a vision of the apostles in the 7th century. The church underwent major reconstruction in 1021. In the 1490s, a funerary chapel for the Cornaro family was added, designed by Mauro Codussi. The bell tower, standing approximately 47 meters tall, was begun in 1672 and completed in the 18th century, based on a design by Andrea Tirali."
Seokjin Ham
"Beautiful church!
This church is very interesting and amazing! You can find there not too easy because of the narrow streets of Venice. It looks like an old church, but it is well maintained. You can visit that church if you like art, history and architecture."
Eudoxio Junior
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santi Apostoli is centrally located and easily accessible by Vaporetto (water bus) to the 'Rialto' or 'Ca' D'Oro' stops. From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors arrive via water taxi from the airport or train station, which offers a scenic introduction to the city.
Yes, the area around Santi Apostoli is quite walkable, though Venice's narrow streets can be a bit of a maze. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Absolutely! The Vaporetto system is Venice's public bus service and the best way to get around the main canals and to different sestieri (districts).
Many travelers arrive by train at Venezia Santa Lucia station or by flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From the airport, you can take a bus or a water taxi to the city center.
Yes, staying near Campo Santi Apostoli offers a good balance of being central yet slightly removed from the busiest tourist crowds, providing a more local feel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Campo Santi Apostoli is a public square and is free to enter and explore. Many of Venice's charming squares and canals are accessible without tickets.
Some churches have a small entrance fee, while others are free. It's always best to check the specific church's policy before visiting. The Basilica di Santi Apostoli itself is generally free to enter.
A traghetto ride, the public gondola service, typically costs around €2, offering an affordable way to experience gondola travel.
No, there is a small entrance fee to climb Scala Contarini del Bovolo to access the panoramic views. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended.
Opening hours vary greatly for churches and attractions. It's advisable to check the specific hours online or on-site before your visit, especially for smaller churches or lesser-known sites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Santi Apostoli is a great base for exploring. You can visit the Basilica di Santi Apostoli, wander through the charming Campo, and it's a short walk to the Rialto Bridge and other major attractions.
The Campo itself offers lovely shots, especially in the morning light. Look for reflections in the canals and narrow alleyways for classic Venetian photography.
Compared to St. Mark's Square or Rialto Bridge, Santi Apostoli is generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Yes, getting lost is part of the Venice experience! Embrace it, but having a map or offline navigation on your phone is helpful.
It's a stunning external spiral staircase offering panoramic views of Venice. It's a hidden gem that provides a unique perspective of the city.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Santi Apostoli itself has local eateries, venturing slightly further towards Rialto or exploring Cannaregio can offer more diverse and authentic dining options. Avoid restaurants directly on St. Mark's Square.
Try cicchetti (Venetian tapas), Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines), Risi e Bisi (rice and peas), and fresh seafood.
Yes, look for 'bacari' (wine bars) for cicchetti and local wines, or grab pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). The traghetto is also a budget-friendly way to experience a gondola.
Dining in prime tourist areas can be expensive. Exploring side streets and local neighborhoods like Cannaregio can lead to more affordable and authentic meals.
You can find local cafes offering espresso and cappuccinos. For a truly iconic experience, consider Caffè Florian, though it's a splurge.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and a softer glow on the buildings and canals.
Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and the colorful houses of Burano are famous. Don't forget the hidden canals and bridges for unique shots.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the narrow streets and grand canals.
Yes, several companies offer guided photography tours that take you to the best spots and offer tips on capturing the city's beauty.
If you take a private tour, ask your gondolier to pose. For traghetto rides, focus on the movement and the canal views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as prices can be high in tourist areas. Embrace the adventure of getting lost, but keep a map handy. Look for kid-friendly cicchetti or pizza al taglio for meals. Many of Venice's squares are car-free and offer space for children to move around.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the most beautiful aspects of Venice – its canals, bridges, and squares – are free to enjoy. Simply wandering through the less crowded sestieri like Cannaregio, where Santi Apostoli is located, offers an authentic experience without spending a euro.
❤️ Couples
While a private gondola ride is a classic romantic gesture, the 'traghetto' offers a more intimate and budget-friendly way to experience the canals together. Seek out hidden courtyards and quiet campi for moments of shared tranquility away from the crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Venice: Beyond the Tourist Trail
For efficient travel within the city, the Vaporetto (water bus) system is your best friend. Purchase a day pass if you plan on using it frequently. For a truly Venetian experience without the hefty price tag of a private gondola, utilize the 'traghetto' service. These public gondolas operate at specific points across the Grand Canal, offering a quick and affordable crossing.
When planning your route, remember that Venice is a pedestrian city. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Embrace the slow pace, enjoy the views, and let the city reveal its secrets to you one bridge and canal at a time.
Experiencing Venice on a Budget
When it comes to dining, steer clear of restaurants in St. Mark's Square, which are notorious tourist traps with inflated prices and mediocre food. Instead, seek out 'bacari' for 'cicchetti' (Venetian tapas) and local wine, or grab a slice of 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice). These options offer delicious and authentic flavors at much lower prices.
Many of Venice's most beautiful sights, like its charming squares and canals, are free to explore. Simply wandering through the sestieri (districts) like Cannaregio, where Santi Apostoli is located, can be a rewarding experience in itself. Look for free entry churches or enjoy the ambiance of the campos.
Capturing Venice's Magic: Photography Tips
Don't just focus on the famous landmarks. Explore the smaller canals, narrow alleyways, and hidden campi. The reflections in the water, the peeling paint on ancient buildings, and the laundry hanging from windows all contribute to Venice's distinctive character. A wide-angle lens can be helpful for capturing the grandeur of the canals and bridges, but even a smartphone can capture stunning images.
Consider visiting the Scala Contarini del Bovolo for a unique perspective. This spiral staircase offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city's rooftops, providing a fantastic opportunity for unique shots. Remember to be respectful of residents and avoid blocking pathways when taking photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit